Kids braces are the foundations of a Bright Future
Kids Braces are important to us and should be important to you too. Our team at HIPP Orthodontics encourages parents to bring their children in for an early orthodontics assessment as it may be the necessary key for providing a healthy, happy smile as they grow into adolescents.
What is Early Orthodontic Treatment and how do kids braces work?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as interceptive orthodontic treatment or phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is when children begin orthodontic kids braces treatment while they’re still growing and have most of their primary teeth.
By identifying malocclusions or ‘bad bites’ early, orthodontists can correct problems before adult teeth are set and the jawbones are fully developed. The goal is to direct a child’s growth and development to fix or prevent certain kinds of malocclusions (problems with the size, position or spacing of the teeth or jaws) so that full phased treatment is not necessary for the future.
Our principal orthodontist, Dr Jacqueline Cupido, isn’t just a specialist in orthodontics; she is also trained in dentofacial orthopaedics, which is when appliances guide facial and jaw growth. Typically, phase 1 orthodontic treatment involves a child wearing an appliance like a space maintainer, a palatal expander or limited braces for between 6 and 14 months.
At HIPP Orthodontics, we understand that everybody has overextended schedules already in today's life. Thus, we always aim to finish early orthodontic treatment in 12 months or less at appointment times that suit you.
At what age should my child
see an Orthodontist for Kids Braces?
While there is no exact age to start orthodontic treatment, it is recommended that each child visit an orthodontist between the ages of 7-8 to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment.
By age 7, children's teeth and jaws have developed to the point that a trained specialist can discover potential problems associated with erupting teeth and jaw alignment.
According to the Oral Health Group, early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Some of the treatments we offer include :
Why Is early Orthodontic screening important and what are The Benefits of Kids Braces?
Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, the orthodontist will achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
There are countless benefits of treating your child’s orthodontic issues early, including:
How to tell if your child may
need kids braces and Early Orthodontic Treatment?
For example, in cases like a severe underbite or overbite, when the face and jaw are fully developed, it’s much harder to manipulate them and get dramatic results. Waiting until adulthood could mean needing surgery.
Below are illustrations of typical malocclusions that may benefit from early orthodontic treatment:
What to expect at
your Child's First visit?
For the majority of children, the first visit is nothing more than a screening exam. It will serve as a baseline as your child continues to develop and get new teeth. Some children, approximately 10-15 percent, can benefit from early orthodontic treatment or interceptive orthodontics.
If your son or daughter is between the ages of seven and eight and shows signs of needing orthodontic care, or your family dentist has directed you to visit an orthodontist, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our practice and schedule an appointment.
Our team will provide your child with a free initial exam and discuss the best steps toward caring for their smile.
Kids Orthodontic Treatment Process
Consultation
Records
Bonding
Adjustments
Debonding
